Layered eraser

ABSTRACT

A layered eraser, comprising: a plurality of eraser layers, comprising at least an innermost eraser layer and an outermost eraser layer; the outermost eraser layer containing the innermost eraser layer; each eraser layer adjacent at least one other eraser layer; each of the eraser layers having an outermost surface. The layered eraser may be adapted to fit about a writing instrument. Each eraser layer adjacent another eraser layer may have different shaped outermost surfaces. Embodiments include different eraser layers in the shapes of simulated space ships, simulated dinosaur heads, and simulated planets. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of eraser layers comprise an innermost eraser layer, at least one intermediate eraser layer completely surrounding the innermost eraser layer, and an outermost eraser layer completely surrounding the at least one intermediate layer, one or more eraser layers being exposed after at least a portion of the layered eraser is worn away.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/953,977, filed Aug. 3, 2007, the full disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to erasers and more particularlyto layered erasers, each of the layered erasers having a core surroundedby a surface layer and/or a core surrounded by at least one intermediatelayer surrounded by a surface layer.

2. Background Art

Erasers and the like have been known. Erasers are typically constructedof rubber or manmade material that allow a user to erase a mark, such asa pencil mark, ink mark, the like, or indicia from a surface. Theerasers typically have a rubbery consistency, come in a variety ofcolors, and comprise a single layer of material, such as syntheticrubber, plastic or gum-like materials, synthetic soy-based gum, and mayalso contain vinyl and pulverized pumice.

Edward Naime, an English engineer, is credited with creating the firstrubber eraser, using natural rubber, in 1770. However, such naturalrubber erasers were not durable, were perishable, and would go bad overtime. Erasers came into common use, however, after Charles Goodyeardiscovered the process of vulcanization in 1839, a method that curedrubber and made it durable. Hymen Lipman received the first patent onMar. 30, 1858 (U.S. Pat. No. 19,783) for attaching an eraser to the endof a pencil; however, the patent was later invalidated.

Erasers come in several shapes and sizes. However, the more commonerasers come attached to pencils, conical cap erasers that may beslipped onto the ends of pencils, block and wedge erasers that may berectangular or block shaped, and barrel erasers contained in a barrel ofa retractable cylinder. Novelty erasers are also available that have avariety of colors, shapes, and designs that are primarily intended fortheir decorative nature than practical use.

These erasers are typically not usable as erasers and for instructionalpurposes and/or entertainment, in which a user may view different layersor internal workings of an object or class of objects.

Erasers are necessary that may be used for instructional purposes and/orentertainment and that may be used practically as erasers and that havea plurality of layers that allow a user to visualize different objectsand the internal structures of such objects as one or more layers areworn down are necessary. Such erasers should have a core surrounded by asurface layer and/or a core surrounded by one or more intermediatelayers and a surface layer.

Layered erasers and the like that have a plurality of layers, multilayered erasers, or erasers having nested layers having an outer layersurrounding an inner core and/or an outer layer surrounding at least oneintermediate layer, which surrounds an inner core are needed.

The layered erasers and the like should have a plurality of layers thattypically exemplify an object or objects within a class of objects areneeded. Each of the surrounding layers should have an attribute of aparticular object, or each layer should be of a different object in aclass of objects, or a combination thereof.

A class may be, for example, a cat; whereas, a particular cat, such as“Frisky” may be an object of the class cat. An object's attributes, maybe, for example, Frisky's height, weight, and age.

Alternatively, layered erasers and the like should have a plurality ofsurrounding layers that represent different objects in different objectclasses. Different objects may be, for example, different animals, suchas a dog, a cat, and a mouse.

Different erasers and the like have heretofore been known. However, noneof the erasers and the like adequately satisfies these aforementionedneeds.

U.S. Pat. No. 294,295 (Whiting) discloses a slate eraser having a pieceof sponge or other absorbent material secured to a handle that has awater tight cup in which additional absorbent material is contained.

U.S. Pat. No. 328,778 (Holton) discloses an erasive rubber that embodiesa single mass, as a block, tablet, or point composed of a number oflayers or strata, alternate ones of which are made of rubber of varyingquality, composition, or vulcanization, and between these layers otherlayers of virgin rubber or pure rubber that is slightly vulcanized areinterposed, all the layers being united together by rubber cement or byvirgin rubber and slight further vulcanization.

U.S. Pat. No. 328,779 (Holton) discloses a block, tablet, or mass ofrubber, composed of alternate layers or strata of solid cellular rubber.

U.S. Pat. No. 873,327 (Perkins) discloses a flexible blackboard eraser,comprising a spirally wound flexible strip constituting a body having aflat top and bottom, the extreme outer end of the strip being secured tothe outer edge of the body, and the coils of the spiral being otherwisedisconnected, and a back formed of freely flexible material covering theentire top of the body and closing the joints between the turns of thespiral.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,755,074 (Roberts) discloses a pencil sharpener,comprising a head member having a through-opening, the head member beingspherical in shape, and made of wood, plastic or metal, the outersurface of which has painted facial markings or indicia to resemble adoll's face.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,796,328 (Horie) discloses an eraser capable of erasingcharacters and the like written on paper with a ball-point pen, fountainpen, typewriter, word processor, color pencil or the like. The eraserhas an integral structure composed of plural types of eraser pieceshaving different hardnesses and an abrasive material, the eraser piecesand the abrasive material existing respectively in a particulatelydispersed state. A method for manufacturing such eraser comprises stepsof kneading plural types of major eraser materials that have beenpreviously vulcanized and shaped at need with an abrasive material andvulcanizing and shaping the resulting mixture. These plural types ofmajor eraser materials are such that erasers having different hardnessescan be produced, if each of the major eraser materials is eithervulcanized or heated and shaped alone, and that particles of the majoreraser materials exist independently from one another even if thesematerials are kneaded.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,526,548 (Ostrowski) discloses an improved eraser holderon a pencil having an eraser support band that can be removed inincremental sections to provide access to additional portions of theeraser, after the original exposed portion has been worn down. Fracturelines on the band facilitate incremental removal of the sections, andthe fracture lines are axially misaligned to strengthen the holder.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,465 (Rago, et al.) discloses a pencil with anexposable eraser. The pencil has a fixed non-replaceable eraser and amoveable sleeve. The fixed non-replaceable eraser is elongated toprovide a larger eraser to pencil ratio in order to have more erasecycles per write cycles. The moveable sleeve can be moved to selectivelyexpose a portion of the eraser. A ferrule couples the pencil body andthe eraser together, and provides an outer surface to engage an innersurface of the moveable sleeve. In one embodiment, a threaded femaleslot in the outer surface of the ferrule engages a male threaded tab inthe inner surface of the sleeve. In another embodiment, a plurality ofconcentric slots in the outer surface of the ferrule engage a tab in theinner surface of the sleeve.

U.S. Pat. Nos. D279,297 (Rosson), U.S. Pat. No. D319,846 (Kiyokane), andU.S. Pat. No. D424,111 (Bell) each disclose ornamental designs forerasers.

U.S. Pat. No. D366,671 (Kitzmiller) discloses an ornamental design foran eraser having a sunburst, and U.S. Pat. No. D366,672 (Kitzmiller)discloses an easer having a swirl.

U.S. Pat. No. D303,992 (Grotsch) discloses a retractable holder for aneraser or similar article.

Web site http://www.itasho.com/discloses a mini eraser collection ofmore than three hundred erasers, many of which can be taken apart bycolor, so that the erasers can be played with and assembled in differentways, parts of which are assembled separately by color.

Web site http://www.hapaculture.com/life/kids/raishapa/erdinsr.htmlerasers in the shapes of Sauropod, Stegosaurus, Spinosaurus, andTriceratop dinosaurs that have moveable legs and are of differentcolors.

Erasers are also sold by Maped, a French company. A layered eraser soldby Maped has a product identification number of 119510.

U.S. Pat. No. D161,423 (Claflin) discloses an ornamental design for aset of educational toy blocks.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,874,649 (Pelletier) discloses a process for producingcandy incorporating an inset design, comprising molding a candy corehaving a cross section corresponding to but comprising an enlargement ofthe desired ultimate inset design, intimately surrounding and supportingthe candy core with a candy matrix, while conforming the periphery ofthe surrounding matrix to a cylindrical form.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,973,273 (Curtiss) discloses a confectionary product,comprising chewing gum having a plurality of cavities thereby forming aspongy mass and a confection embodies in the cavities.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,626,892 (Kehoe, et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,955,116(Kehoe, et al.) disclose methods and apparatus for production ofmulti-flavored and multi-colored chewing gum, in which multi-veinedchewing gum is produced by injecting a plurality of different liquidflavor/dye compositions into a substantially homogeneous gum basecomposition or into a laminated or coextruded gum composition. Inembodiments of the invention substantially straight longitudinal veinsof color are partially mixed to partially displace colored veins in adirection transverse to the direction of extrusion, so as to createveined, multi-colored patterns substantially throughout a cross sectionof the product in a manner such that the multi-colored patterns in thecross-section differ along the length of the extrudate. The extrudate iscut to obtain gum pieces having different veins of injected liquidadditives, which provide a swirled or marbleized pattern in the opposingcut ends. The injected liquid additive compositions may include flavors,dyes, lakes, high intensity sweeteners, therapeutic agents, breathfreshening agents, and mixtures thereof. Surface veins may also beproduced by injection of liquid colorant/flavorant compositions onto thesubstantially homogeneous gum base composition, as it passes through theextrusion head barrel. The surface veins may be disrupted or displacedindependently of the interior veins, using a rotatable sleeve or gumrope twisting device.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,538,742 (McHale, et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 7,112,345(McHale, et al.) disclose a multi-phase sheeted chewing gum and a methodand apparatus for making the multi-phase sheeted chewing gum thatincludes a first mass of a chewing gum formed in a generally flat sheetand a second mass of a confectionery product having a different colorthan the first mass. The second mass is smaller than the first mass andis embedded in the first mass, so as to be visible with the first massfrom the top surface of the chewing gum. The method includes the stepsof forming the first mass into a slab with a generally flat surface. Thesecond mass is formed into at least one piece, which is brought intocontact with the flat surface. The slab and the piece are pressed toproduce a generally flat sheet, which is cut into segments of desiredwidth, length and shape.

U.S. Pat. Nos. D271,344 (Faust), U.S. Pat. No. D271,439 (Schumacher),U.S. Pat. No. D271,534 (Huzinec), and U.S. Pat. No. D271,535 (Huzinec)each disclose ornamental designs for two color chewing gum.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a layered eraser that maybe used for instructional purposes and/or entertainment, in which a usermay view different layers or internal workings of an object or class ofobjects. Erasers are necessary that may be used for instructionalpurposes and/or entertainment and that may be used practically aserasers and that have a plurality of layers that allow a user tovisualize different objects and the internal structures of such objectsas one or more layers are worn down are necessary. Such erasers shouldhave a core surrounded by a surface layer and/or a core surrounded byone or more intermediate layers and a surface layer.

Layered erasers and the like that have a plurality of layers, multilayered erasers, or erasers having nested layers having an outer layersurrounding an inner core and/or an outer layer surrounding at least oneintermediate layer, which surrounds an inner core are needed.

The layered erasers and the like should have a plurality of layers thattypically exemplify an object or objects within a class of objects areneeded. Each of the surrounding layers should have an attribute of aparticular object, or each layer should be of a different object in aclass of objects, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, layerederasers and the like should have a plurality of surrounding layers thatrepresent different objects in different object classes.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a layered eraser having a coresurrounded by a surface layer and/or a core surrounded by at least oneintermediate layer surrounded by a surface layer. The layered eraser maybe used for instructional purposes and/or entertainment, in which a usermay view different layers or internal workings of an object or class ofobjects. The layered eraser may be used for instructional purposes, forentertainment, and as an eraser, and has a plurality of layers thatallow a user to visualize different objects and the internal structuresof such objects as one or more layers are worn down. The layered eraserhas a core surrounded by a surface layer or outermost layer and/or acore surrounded by one or more intermediate layers and a surface layeror outermost layer.

Erasers having a plurality of layers may be considered to be layerederasers, multi layered erasers, or erasers having nested layers havingan outer layer surrounding an inner core and/or an outer layersurrounding at least one intermediate layer, which surrounds an innercore.

The layered eraser has a plurality of layers that typically exemplifiesan object or objects within a class of objects. Each of the surroundinglayers has an attribute of a particular object, or each layer may be ofa different object in a class of objects, or a combination thereof.

A class may be, for example, a cat; whereas, a particular cat, such as“Frisky” may be an object of the class cat. An object's attributes, maybe, for example, Frisky's height, weight, and age.

Alternatively, the layered eraser may have a plurality of surroundinglayers that represent different objects in different object classes.

Different objects may be, for example, different animals, such as a dog,a cat, and a mouse.

Alternatively, different layers of the layered eraser may representdifferent themes, or the different layers may be thematically based.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a layered eraser, comprises:a plurality of layers, the plurality of layers having an innermost layerand an outermost layer, the outermost layer containing the innermostlayer, the innermost layer having an innermost interior surface and aninnermost exterior surface, the outermost layer having an outermostinterior surface and an outermost exterior surface, the innermostexterior surface adjacent the outermost interior surface, the innermostexterior surface and the outermost exterior having a different shape onefrom the other, a portion of the outermost interior surface adapted tobe mounted to a writing instrument.

Each of the plurality of layers comprises a different eraser layer thatmay be used to erase a mark, such as a pencil mark, ink mark, the like,or indicia from a surface. Portions of different layers of the layerederaser are exposed and become visible, as the eraser is being used andworn down.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a layered eraser,comprises: a plurality of layers, the plurality of layers having aninnermost layer and an outermost layer, the innermost layer having aninnermost interior surface and an innermost exterior surface, at leastone intermediate layer having at least one intermediate interior surfaceand at least one intermediate exterior surface, the outermost layersurrounding the at least one intermediate layer, the at least oneintermediate layer surrounding the innermost layer, the outermost layerhaving an outermost interior surface and an outermost exterior surface,the innermost exterior surface adjacent the at least one intermediateinterior surface, the at least one intermediate exterior surfaceadjacent the outermost interior surface, the innermost exterior surfaceand the outermost exterior having a different shape one from the other,a portion of the outermost interior surface adapted to be mounted to awriting instrument.

The portion of the outermost interior surface, which is adapted to bemounted to the writing instrument, typically has a partially hollowreceiving portion to receive or be mounted to the top of a pencil orpen, although other suitable arrangements for mounting the layerederaser to a writing instrument may be used.

The multi-layered eraser may be also be used by itself, rather thanbeing mounted on a writing instrument and have a solid core.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a layered eraser,comprises: a plurality of layers, the plurality of layers having aninnermost layer and an outermost layer, the outermost layer containingthe innermost layer, the innermost layer having an innermost exteriorsurface, the outermost layer having an outermost interior surface and anoutermost exterior surface, the innermost exterior surface adjacent theoutermost interior surface, the innermost exterior surface and theoutermost exterior having a different shape one from the other.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a layered eraser,comprises: a plurality of layers, the plurality of layers having aninnermost layer and an outermost layer, the innermost layer having aninnermost exterior surface, at least one intermediate layer having atleast one intermediate interior surface and at least one intermediateexterior surface, the outermost layer surrounding the at least oneintermediate layer, the at least one intermediate layer surrounding theinnermost layer, the outermost layer having an outermost interiorsurface and an outermost exterior surface, the outermost layer having anoutermost interior surface and an outermost exterior surface, theinnermost exterior surface adjacent the at least one intermediateinterior surface, the at least one intermediate exterior surfaceadjacent the outermost interior surface, the innermost exterior surfaceand the outermost exterior having a different shape one from the other.

In addition to a variety of different shapes of the layers of themulti-layered erasers, the layers may be of different colors, texturespigments, and/or a combination of colors, textures, and/or pigments.

A molding process is also shown. Suitable material for fabricating alayer or layers of the layered eraser is poured into a mold. A mold iscut after it has cured to remove a particular layer from the mold.Clamping means or their equivalent are used to keep the two halves ofthe mold together. Upon fabrication of a particular layer or layers, thetwo halves of the mold may be separated, and the layer or layersfabricated therein may be removed. When the layered eraser has cured,the layered eraser may be removed from the mold.

A layered eraser having features of the present invention comprises: aplurality of layers, the plurality of layers having an innermost layerand an outermost layer, the innermost layer having an innermost exteriorsurface, at least one intermediate layer having at least oneintermediate interior surface and at least one intermediate exteriorsurface, the outermost layer surrounding the at least one intermediatelayer, the at least one intermediate layer surrounding the innermostlayer, the outermost layer having an outermost interior surface and anoutermost exterior surface, the outermost layer having an outermostinterior surface and an outermost exterior surface, the innermostexterior surface adjacent the at least one intermediate interiorsurface, the at least one intermediate exterior surface adjacent theoutermost interior surface, the innermost exterior surface and theoutermost exterior having a different shape one from the other.

A layered eraser having features of the present invention alsocomprises: a plurality of eraser layers, comprising at least aninnermost eraser layer and an outermost eraser layer; the outermosteraser layer containing the innermost eraser layer; each eraser layer ofthe plurality of eraser layers adjacent at least one other eraser layer;each of the eraser layers having an outermost surface. The layerederaser may be adapted to fit about a writing instrument. In a preferredembodiment, each eraser layer adjacent another eraser layer has adifferent shaped outermost surface. Embodiments include different eraserlayers in the shape of simulated space ships, different shaped simulateddinosaur heads, and different shaped simulated planets. In a preferredembodiment, the plurality of eraser layers comprise an innermost eraserlayer, at least one intermediate eraser layer surrounding the innermosteraser layer, and an outermost eraser layer surrounding the at least oneintermediate layer.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a layered eraser, showing a simulatedspace ship, constructed in accordance with the present invention, whichshows an outermost layer of the layered eraser;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the layered eraser of FIG. 1 mounted ona pencil; the pencil being shown in phantom;

FIG. 3 is a perspective cross section view of the layered eraser of FIG.1 showing an outermost layer, an intermediate layer, and an innermostlayer of the layered eraser;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the intermediate layer of the layerederaser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the innermost layer of the layerederaser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a top cutaway view of the layered eraser of FIG. 1 showing theintermediate layer and the innermost layer of the layered eraser;

FIG. 7 is a perspective cutaway view of the layered eraser of FIG. 1showing the innermost layer and showing the intermediate layer, theoutermost layer, and the pencil of FIG. 1 in phantom;

FIG. 8 is a perspective cutaway view of the layered eraser of FIG. 1showing the intermediate layer of the layered eraser;

FIG. 9 is a top cutaway view of the layered eraser of FIG. 1 showing theintermediate layer of the layered eraser;

FIG. 10 is a perspective cutaway view of the layered eraser of FIG. 1showing the intermediate layer and showing the outermost layer and thepencil of FIG. 1 in phantom;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the layered eraser of FIG. 1, and, inparticular, the outermost layer;

FIG. 12 is a front view of the layered eraser of FIG. 1 and, inparticular, the outermost layer;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the layered eraser of FIG. 1 and, inparticular, the outermost layer;

FIG. 14 is another side view of the layered eraser of FIG. 1 and, inparticular, the outermost layer;

FIG. 15 is a rear view of the layered eraser of FIG. 1 and, inparticular, the outermost layer;

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the layered eraser of FIG. 1 and, inparticular, the outermost layer;

FIG. 17 is a top view of the intermediate layer of the layered eraser ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is a front view of the intermediate layer of the layered eraserof FIG. 1;

FIG. 19 is a side view of the intermediate layer of the layered eraserof FIG. 1;

FIG. 20 is another side view of the intermediate layer of the layerederaser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 21 is a rear view of the intermediate layer of the layered eraserof FIG. 1;

FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the intermediate layer of the layered eraserof FIG. 1;

FIG. 23 is a top view of the innermost layer of the layered eraser ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 24 is a front view of the innermost layer of the layered eraser ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 25 is a side view of the innermost layer of the layered eraser ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 26 is another side view of the innermost layer of the layerederaser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 27 is a rear view of the innermost layer of the layered eraser ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 28 is a bottom view of the innermost layer of the layered eraser ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 29 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of a layered eraser,showing a globe simulating the Earth's crust mounted on a pencil, thepencil being shown in phantom;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the layered eraser of FIG. 29 shownmounted on the pencil, the pencil being shown in phantom;

FIG. 31 is a top view of the layered eraser of FIG. 29;

FIG. 32 is a bottom view of the layered eraser of FIG. 29;

FIG. 33 is a cross section view of the layered eraser of FIG. 29 showingan innermost layer, an intermediate layer, and an outermost layer of thelayered eraser;

FIG. 34 a perspective view of the layered eraser of FIG. 29 beingfabricated;

FIG. 35 a perspective view of a mold for fabricating the layered eraserof FIG. 29;

FIG. 36 a perspective view of a device for nesting different layers ofthe layered eraser of FIG. 29;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the outermost layer of the layerederaser of FIG. 29 being fabricated about the intermediate layer of thelayered eraser;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a layerederaser, showing a simulated T-Rex dinosaur head mounted on a portion ofa pencil, the portion of the pencil being shown in phantom, and mouthportion of the layered eraser worn away;

FIG. 39 is a side view of an epidermis layer of the layered eraser ofFIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is a side view of a musculature layer of the layered eraser ofFIG. 38;

FIG. 41 is a side view of a skeletal layer of the layered eraser of FIG.38 showing the epidermis layer in outline;

FIG. 42 is a side view of a brain layer of the layered eraser of FIG. 38showing the epidermis layer in outline;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a layerederaser, showing a simulated Triceratops dinosaur head;

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the layered eraser of FIG. 43 mountedon a portion of a pencil, the portion of the pencil being shown inphantom;

FIG. 45 is a perspective cross section view of the layered eraser ofFIG. 43 showing an outermost layer, an intermediate layer, and aninnermost layer of the layered eraser;

FIG. 46 is a side view of the outermost layer of the layered eraser ofFIG. 43;

FIG. 47 is a side view of the intermediate layer of the layered eraserof FIG. 43;

FIG. 48 is a side view of the innermost layer of the layered eraser ofFIG. 43;

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a layerederaser, showing a simulated dog in a simulated carrying case mounted ona pencil, the pencil being shown in phantom;

FIG. 50 is an exploded view of the layered eraser of FIG. 49;

FIG. 51 is a front view of the layered eraser of FIG. 49;

FIG. 52 is a top view of the layered eraser of FIG. 49;

FIG. 53 is a side view of the layered eraser of FIG. 49;

FIG. 54 is another side view of the layered eraser of FIG. 49;

FIG. 55 is a rear view of the layered eraser of FIG. 49; and

FIG. 56 is a bottom view of the layered eraser of FIG. 49.

DESCRIPTION

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 1-56 of the drawings. Identical elements in thevarious figures are identified with the same reference numbers.

FIGS. 1-56 show embodiments of the present invention, which are layerederasers each of which has a plurality of eraser layers. In theembodiments shown, each of the layered erasers has an innermost layer,an outermost layer, and an optional intermediate layer nested betweenthe innermost layer and the outermost layer, although other suitablelayers may be used. The layered erasers may have two or more layers,depending upon the application selected.

The outermost layer, which may be considered to be the surface layer,contains or surrounds the optional intermediate layer and the innermostlayer, which may be considered to be the core. The outermost layer, orthe surface layer, surrounds the innermost layer, or the core, when thelayered eraser has two layers. When the layered eraser has more than twolayers: the outermost layer, or the surface layer, surrounds at leastone intermediate layer; and the at least one intermediate layersurrounds the innermost layer, or the core.

Each of the layered erasers may have an optional chamber adapted tomount the layered eraser to a writing instrument.

FIGS. 1-28 show an embodiment of the present invention, a layered eraser10 having an outermost layer 12, an intermediate layer 14, and aninnermost layer 16. The outermost layer 12, the intermediate layer 14,and the innermost layer 16 are each in the form of different simulatedspace ships. The outermost layer 12 of the layered eraser 10 hasoutermost layer surface 18 having the shape of a first simulated spaceship; the intermediate layer 14 of the layered eraser 10 hasintermediate layer surface 20 having the shape of a second simulatedspace ship; and the innermost layer 16 of the layered eraser 10 hasinnermost layer surface 22 having the shape of a third simulated spaceship. The innermost layer 16 is nested within the intermediate layer 14,and the intermediate layer 14 is nested within the outermost layer 12.

The outermost layer 12 surrounds the intermediate layer 14, and theintermediate layer 14 surrounds the innermost layer 16. The outermostlayer 12 may be considered to be the surface layer of the layered eraser10. The innermost layer 16 may be considered to be core of the layerederaser 10.

The layered eraser 10 has substantially cylindrical end portion 24 andsubstantially cylindrical chamber 26 for optionally receiving topportion 28 of pencil 30 therein and mounting on the pencil 30. Thesubstantially cylindrical end portion 24 and/or the substantiallycylindrical chamber 26 may have other suitable shapes for mounting tothe top of the pencil 30. Alternatively, the substantially cylindricalend portion 24 of the layered eraser 10 may be adapted to fit into or ontop of other suitable or alternative pencils. The substantiallycylindrical chamber 26 of the layered eraser 10 may be adapted to fitabout, on top of, or to cap the pencil 30, a pen, or other suitablewriting instrument or other suitable instrument, or alternatively beconical shaped or have another suitable shape to fit about, on top of,or to cap the pencil 30, a pen, or other suitable writing instrument orother suitable instrument.

Adjacent layers of the plurality of eraser layers of the layered eraser10 typically have distinguishing features, characteristics, and/orproperties that are different from each other, in order to distinguisheach of the plurality of layers from each other. The adjacent layers ofthe plurality of eraser layers of the layered eraser 10 may be ofdifferent colors, textures, pigments, be of different materials, andhave other suitable means, and/or any combination thereof, in order todistinguish the adjacent layers from each other. Thus, as the layerederaser 10 wears down from use, one or more layers of the plurality oflayers of the layered eraser 10 become exposed.

The outermost layer 12 and the intermediate layer 14 may, for example,be of different colors, textures, pigments, be of different materials,have other suitable means, and/or any combination thereof, in order todistinguish the outermost layer 12 and the intermediate layer 14 fromeach other. The intermediate layer 14 and the innermost layer 16 may,for example, be of different colors, textures, pigments, be of differentmaterials, have other suitable means, and/or any combination thereof, inorder to distinguish the intermediate layer 14 and the innermost layer16 from each other. Other suitable means may, however, be used todistinguish the different layers one from the other.

FIG. 1 shows the layered eraser 10, constructed in accordance with thepresent invention, showing the outermost layer 12 of the layered eraser10. FIG. 2 shows the layered eraser 10 mounted on the pencil 30.

FIG. 3 shows a cross section view of the layered eraser 10, which showsthe outermost layer 12, the intermediate layer 14, the innermost layer16, the outermost layer surface 18, the intermediate layer surface 20,and the innermost layer surface 22, respectively, having the shape ofthe first simulated space ship, the shape of the second simulated spaceship, and the shape of the third simulated space ship, respectively.FIG. 3 also shows the substantially cylindrical end portion 24 and thesubstantially cylindrical chamber 26 that may optionally be used tomount the layered eraser 10 to the top portion 28 of the pencil 30.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show the intermediate layer 14, having the shape of thesecond simulated space ship, and the innermost layer 16, having theshape of the third simulated space ship, respectively.

FIGS. 6-10 show various cutaway views of the layered eraser 10 showingthe outermost layer 12, the intermediate layer 14, and the innermostlayer 16, respectively.

FIGS. 11-16 show top, front, side, rear, and bottom views of the layerederaser 10, and, in particular, the outermost layer 12 having the shapeof the first simulated space ship.

FIGS. 17-22 show top, front, side, rear, and bottom views of theintermediate layer 14 of the layered eraser 10 having the shape of thesecond simulated space ship.

FIGS. 23-28 show top, front, side, rear, and bottom views of theinnermost layer 16 having the shape of the third simulated space ship.

The layered eraser 10 has a plurality of layers, and may also bereferred to as a multi layered eraser or nested eraser, and is typicallyconstructed of rubber, synthetic rubber, plastic or gum-like materials,synthetic soy-based gum, and may also contain vinyl and pulverizedpumice, manmade material, natural material, other suitable materials, orany combination thereof that allow a user to erase a mark, such as apencil mark, ink mark, the like, or indicia from a surface. As a usererases a mark, such as a pencil mark, ink mark, the like, or indiciafrom a surface, on or more different layers of the layered eraser 10 areexposed.

The layered eraser 10 may be used, for example, to erase pencilmarkings, ink, or other suitable marking, from paper, wood, metal, or avariety of other suitable surfaces, and reveal typically one, two, ormore layers of the layered eraser 10, as the one or more of the layersof the layered eraser 10 are worn away, during each succeeding use.

The layered eraser 10 may be constructed of rubber, polyvinyl chloridesynthetic rubber, other suitable material, or any combination thereof,which wears away from repeated erasures.

Users can elect to wear away a partial or full portion or portions ofthe layered eraser 10 to reveal a cross section of one or more layers,or erase around one entire layer at a time, ultimately revealing one ormore, or as many layers as desired.

The layered eraser 10 may be mounted at the top of the pencil 30 or tocap the pencil 30 or a pen, or the layered eraser 10 may be usedindependently of the pencil 30, such as in a typical hand held eraser.

Alternative embodiments of the layered eraser 10 may be used, havingdifferent outermost layers, different intermediate layers, and differentinnermost layers, and having different outermost layer surfaces,different intermediate layer surfaces, and different innermost layersurface.

The layered eraser 10 and the alternative embodiments of the presentinvention may be used for instructional purposes, especially in thosecases where such layered erasers show the outermost layer, intermediatelayers, and innermost layers of real objects or other suitable objects,such as, for example, a dinosaur head, the Earth, a spaceship, anairplane, a boat, an automobile, anatomical studies of living organisms,superheroes whose costumes erase away to reveal secret identities, orother suitable objects, and/or may be used for enjoyment of childrenand/or adults alike, as well as for instructional purposes.

Each of the layered erasers has a plurality of layers, and typicallyexemplifies an object or objects within a class of objects. Each layermay have an attribute of a particular object, or each layer may be of adifferent object in a class of objects, or a combination thereof.

A class may be, for example, a cat; whereas, a particular cat, such as“Frisky” may be an object of the class cat. An object's attributes, maybe, for example, Frisky's height, weight, and age.

Therefore, an alternative embodiment of the layered eraser 10 may be adinosaur with each of the layers representing a different attribute ofthe dinosaur object Stegosaurus, such as, for example, the exterior,muscles, skeletal, and organs of the dinosaur Stegosaurus.

Alternatively, an alternative embodiment of the layered eraser 10 mayhave a plurality of layers with each of the layers representing adifferent dinosaur object, such as Tyrannosaurus, Plesiosaurus, andBrachiosaurus within the class dinosaur.

Alternative embodiments of the layered eraser 10 may alternatively havea combination of layers, some of which represent attributes of aparticular dinosaur object or objects and others, which representdifferent dinosaur objects within the class dinosaur.

Alternative embodiments of the layered eraser 10 may represent aparticular theme or themes in a story or other suitable types of themes,and, thus, be thematically based. The outermost layer 12, theintermediate layer 14, and the innermost layer 16 may, for example, bethematically based.

The innermost layer 16 or core of the layered eraser 10 may optionallybe constructed of a wear resistant material, enabling the innermostlayer 16 or core to remain in tact after the outermost layer 12 and/orthe intermediate layer 14 of the layered eraser 10 are worn down. Theinnermost layer 16 or core of the layered eraser 10 and/or the innermostlayer or core of any of the other alternative embodiments of the layerederaser 10 may, for example, be retained as a collectible item or toy orother suitable object for continued play or instructional purposes,after the eraser material of the intermediate layer 14 and the outermostlayer 12 of the layered eraser 10 or the other alternative embodimentsare worn away.

The layered eraser 10, the multi-layered eraser, or the nested eraser,or other suitable alternative embodiments may be accompanied with a factsheet, such as, for example, an Astronomy Factoid card with facts aboutspace and space travel that may accompany a multi layered eraser spaceship and/or multi-layered planet. The fact sheets or cards may containthe name or names of the simulated space ship or space ships, theirmissions and crew compliments.

The layered eraser 10 may have a toy and/or prize or other suitableobject inside the layered eraser 10. The object, toy, and/or prize maybe of plastic, polyvinylchloride, thermoplastics, thermosettingpolymers, rubber, metal, wood, or other suitable material or combinationthereof. The innermost layer 16 or core of the layered eraser 10 or anyof the embodiments of the present invention may comprise a suitableobject, the toy and/or prize, or the innermost layer 16 or core may havea container therein for housing the object, toy and/or prize, or theinnermost layer 16 or core may have the object, toy and/or prizeembedded therein or encapsulated therein. Other suitable means may alsobe used to contain a suitable object, the toy and/or prize in one ormore layers of the layered eraser 10 and/or any of the embodiments ofthe present invention.

The innermost layer 16 or core of the layered eraser 10 mayalternatively and/or additionally be of plastic, polyvinylchloride,thermoplastics, thermosetting polymers, rubber, metal, wood, or othersuitable material or combination thereof.

The layered eraser 10 has at least one layer of the plurality of layerscompletely surrounding one or more of the other layers of the layerederaser 10. One or more layers of the plurality of layers is then exposedafter at least one use and after at least a portion of the outermostlayer 12 of the layered eraser 10 is worn away.

Alternatively, other embodiments of the present invention include one ormore layers partially surrounded by one or more other layers.

FIGS. 29-33 show an alternate embodiment of a layered eraser 50, whichis substantially the same as the layered eraser 10, except that thelayered eraser 50 is of a globe simulating the Earth, a planet, a moon,or other astronomical object.

The layered eraser 50 has an outermost layer 52, an intermediate layer54, and an innermost layer 56. The outermost layer 52, the intermediatelayer 54, and the innermost layer 56 are each in the form of differentsimulated portions of, for example, the Earth. The outermost layer 52 ofthe layered eraser 50 has outermost layer surface 58 having the shape ofthe Earth's crust; the intermediate layer 54 of the layered eraser 50has intermediate layer surface 60 having the shape of the Earth'smantel; and the innermost layer 56 of the layered eraser 50 hasinnermost layer surface 62 having the shape of the Earth's core. Theinnermost layer 56 is nested within the intermediate layer 54, and theintermediate layer 54 is nested within the outermost layer 52.

The layered eraser 50 has substantially cylindrical end portion 64 andsubstantially cylindrical chamber 66 for optionally receiving topportion 68 of pencil 70 therein and mounting on the pencil 70. Thesubstantially cylindrical end portion 64 and/or the substantiallycylindrical chamber 66 may have other suitable shapes for mounting tothe top of the pencil 70. Alternatively, the substantially cylindricalend portion 64 of the layered eraser 50 may be adapted to fit into or ontop of other suitable or alternative pencils.

The layered eraser 50, the plurality of layers, and portions of theplurality of layers may be of different colors to simulate the Earth'scrust. Land masses may, for example, be shown in green and bodies ofwater in blue. The innermost layer 56 may, for example, be yellow tosimulate the Earth's Inner Core. The intermediate layer 54 may, forexample, be orange to simulate the Earth's Outer Core. The outermostlayer 52 may, for example, be red to simulate the Earth's Mantle.

A process for nesting multiple thematically coordinated molds withdiffering designs and pigments may be used to create the layerederasers, multi layered erasers, and/or nested erasers.

FIGS. 34-37 show steps of a process for fabricating the layered eraser50. FIG. 34 shows the pouring of liquid material 80 into mold portion82. FIG. 35 shows a mold 84 that may be used to fabricate the layerederaser 50. The mold 84 has the mold portions 82. FIG. 36 shows a devicefor nesting different layers of the layered eraser 50 and, inparticular, an armature 86 or framework around which the layered eraser50 may be fabricated. FIG. 37 shows the outermost layer 52 of thelayered eraser 50 being fabricated about the intermediate layer 54 ofthe layered eraser 50.

The process for fabricating the layered eraser 50 may be used forfabricating a variety of alternative layered erasers, multi layerederasers, and nested erasers, or other suitable processes may be used tofabricate the layered eraser 50 and/or to fabricate other suitablealternative embodiments.

FIGS. 38-42 show an alternate embodiment of a layered eraser 90, whichis substantially the same as the layered eraser 10, except that thelayered eraser 90 is of a simulated dinosaur head and, in particular, asimulated T-Rex dinosaur head.

The layered eraser 90 is shown mounted on a portion of a pencil 92 inFIG. 38 showing mouth portion 93 of the layered eraser 90 worn away,which is discussed in more detail later. FIGS. 39-42 show differentlayers of the layered eraser 90. FIG. 39 shows outermost layer 94 of thelayered eraser 90, which represents the epidermis layer of the T-Rexdinosaur head, and which may also be called the epidermis layer of thelayered eraser 90. FIG. 40 shows first intermediate layer 96, whichrepresents the musculature layer of the T-Rex dinosaur head, and whichmay also be called the musculature layer of the layered eraser 90. FIG.41 shows second intermediate layer 98, which represents the skeletallayer of the T-Rex dinosaur head, and which may also be called theskeletal layer of the layered eraser 90. FIG. 42 shows innermost layer100, which represents the brain layer of the T-Rex dinosaur head, andwhich may also be called the brain layer of the layered eraser 90.

The layered eraser 90, the plurality of layers, and portions of theplurality of layers may be of different colors to simulate the T-Rexdinosaur head. The outermost layer 94 of the layered eraser 90, whichrepresents the epidermis layer of the T-Rex dinosaur head, may, forexample, have a variety of colors and be full color erasable pigments.The first intermediate layer 96, which represents the musculature layerof the T-Rex dinosaur head may, for example, be different shades ofpink. The second intermediate layer 98, which represents the skeletallayer of the T-Rex dinosaur head, may, for example, be white and pink,but may alternatively be translucent. The innermost layer 100, whichrepresents the brain layer of the T-Rex dinosaur head, may be, forexample, grey and pink.

The outermost layer 94 of the layered eraser 90, which represents theepidermis layer of the T-Rex dinosaur head, the first intermediate layer96, which represents the musculature layer of the T-Rex dinosaur head,and the second intermediate layer 98, which represents the skeletallayer of the T-Rex dinosaur head are shown as having been worn away atthe mouth portion 93 of the layered eraser 90 in FIG. 38.

FIGS. 43-48 show an alternate embodiment of a layered eraser 110, whichis substantially the same as the layered eraser 10, except that thelayered eraser 110 is of another simulated dinosaur head and, inparticular, a simulated Triceratops dinosaur head.

FIG. 43 shows the layered eraser 110 having the shape of the simulatedTriceratops dinosaur head. FIG. 44 shows the layered eraser 110 mountedon a portion of a pencil 111.

FIG. 45 shows the layered eraser 110 having an outermost layer 112, anintermediate layer 114, and an innermost layer 116. The outermost layer112, the intermediate layer 114, and the innermost layer 116 are each inthe form of different layers of the simulated Triceratops dinosaur head.The outermost layer 112 of the layered eraser 110 has outermost layersurface 118 having the shape of a first simulated Triceratops dinosaurhead layer; the intermediate layer 114 of the layered eraser 110 hasintermediate layer surface 120 having the shape of a second simulatedTriceratops dinosaur head layer; and the innermost layer 116 of thelayered eraser 110 has innermost layer surface 122 having the shape of athird simulated Triceratops dinosaur head layer. The innermost layer 116is nested within the intermediate layer 114, and the intermediate layer114 is nested within the outermost layer 112.

The layered eraser 110 has end portion 124 and substantially cylindricalchamber 126 for optionally receiving top portion 128 of the pencil 111therein and mounting on the pencil 111. The end portion 124 and/or thesubstantially cylindrical chamber 126 may have other suitable shapes formounting to the top of the pencil 111. Alternatively, the substantiallycylindrical end portion 124 of the layered eraser 110 may be adapted tofit into or on top of other suitable or alternative pencils.

FIGS. 46-48 show the outermost layer 112, the intermediate layer 114,and the innermost layer 116 of the layered eraser 110, respectively.

FIGS. 49-56 show an alternate embodiment of a layered eraser 130, whichis substantially the same as the layered eraser 10, except that thelayered eraser 130 is of a simulated dog in a simulated carrying case.FIGS. 49-56 show perspective, exploded, front, top, side, rear, andbottom views of the layered eraser 130 of a simulated dog 132 in asimulated carrying case 134 mounted on pencil 136.

The simulated dog 132 is partially surrounded by the simulated carryingcase 134. The simulated dog 132 may optionally be of eraser materialsimilar to that of the simulated carrying case 134, or the simulated dog132 may, for example, be of a substantially harder material than that ofthe simulated carrying case 134, in which case the simulated dog 132 mayremain in tact and be saved as a toy and/or prize or object after thesimulated carrying case 134 is worn away. Plastic, polyvinylchloride,thermoplastics, thermosetting polymers, rubber, metal, wood, or othersuitable material or combination thereof may be used, which allow thesimulated dog 132 to remain in tact and to be used as a toy and/or aprize.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detailwith reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions arepossible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims shouldnot be limited to the description of the preferred versions containedherein.

1. A layered eraser, comprising: a plurality of eraser layers,comprising at least an innermost eraser layer and an outermost eraserlayer; said outermost eraser layer containing and completely encasingsaid innermost eraser layer prior to a portion of said outermost layerbeing worn away and exposing a portion of said innermost layer; eacheraser layer of said plurality of eraser layers adjacent at least oneother said eraser layer; each said eraser layer having an outermostsurface.
 2. The layered eraser according to claim 1, wherein: saidlayered eraser is adapted to fit about a writing instrument.
 3. Thelayered eraser according to claim 1, wherein: each said eraser layeradjacent said at least one other eraser layer has a different shapedsaid outermost surface.
 4. The layered eraser according to claim 2,wherein: each said eraser layer adjacent said at least one other eraserlayer has a different shaped said outermost surface.
 5. The layerederaser according to claim 3, wherein: each said different shaped saidoutermost surface is thematically based.
 6. The layered eraser accordingto claim 3, wherein: each said different shaped said outermost surfacehas the shape of a different simulated space ship.
 7. The layered eraseraccording to claim 3, wherein: each said different shaped said outermostsurface has the shape of a different simulated dinosaur head.
 8. Thelayered eraser according to claim 3, wherein: each said different shapedsaid outermost surface has the shape of a different simulated planet. 9.The layered eraser according to claim 1, wherein: said layered eraserhas an object embedded within said layered eraser.
 10. A layered eraser,comprising: a plurality of eraser layers, comprising at least aninnermost eraser layer and an outermost eraser layer; said outermosteraser layer completely surrounding all of said innermost eraser layerprior to a portion of said outermost layer being worn away and exposinga portion of said innermost layer; each eraser layer of said pluralityof eraser layers adjacent at least one other said eraser layer; eachsaid eraser layer having an outermost surface.
 11. The layered eraseraccording to claim 10, wherein: said layered eraser is adapted to fitabout a writing instrument.
 12. The layered eraser according to claim10, wherein: each said eraser layer adjacent said at least one othereraser layer has a different shaped said outermost surface.
 13. Thelayered eraser according to claim 11, wherein: each said eraser layeradjacent said at least one other eraser layer has a different shapedsaid outermost surface.
 14. The layered eraser according to claim 12,wherein: each said different shaped said outermost surface isthematically based.
 15. The layered eraser according to claim 12,wherein: each said different shaped said outermost surface has the shapeof a different simulated space ship.
 16. The layered eraser according toclaim 12, wherein: each said different shaped said outermost surface hasthe shape of a different simulated dinosaur head.
 17. The layered eraseraccording to claim 12, wherein: each said different shaped saidoutermost surface has the shape of a different simulated planet.
 18. Thelayered eraser according to claim 10, wherein: said layered eraser hasan object embedded within said layered eraser.
 19. A layered eraser,comprising: a plurality of eraser layers, comprising an innermost eraserlayer, at least one intermediate eraser layer, and an outermost eraserlayer; said outermost eraser layer completely surrounding said at leastone intermediate eraser layer prior to a portion of said outermost layerbeing worn away and exposing a portion of said at least one intermediateeraser layer; said at least one intermediate eraser layer completelysurrounding said innermost eraser layer; each eraser layer of saidplurality of eraser layers adjacent at least one other said eraserlayer; each said eraser layer having an outermost surface.
 20. Thelayered eraser according to claim 19, wherein: said layered eraser isadapted to fit about a writing instrument.
 21. The layered eraseraccording to claim 19, wherein: each said eraser layer adjacent said atleast one other eraser layer has a different shaped said outermostsurface.
 22. The layered eraser according to claim 20, wherein: eachsaid eraser layer adjacent said at least one other eraser layer has adifferent shaped said outermost surface.
 23. The layered eraseraccording to claim 21, wherein: each said different shaped saidoutermost surface is thematically based.
 24. The layered eraseraccording to claim 21, wherein: each said different shaped saidoutermost surface has the shape of a different simulated space ship. 25.The layered eraser according to claim 21, wherein: each said differentshaped said outermost surface has the shape of a different simulateddinosaur head.
 26. The layered eraser according to claim 21, wherein:each said different shaped said outermost surface has the shape of adifferent simulated planet.
 27. The layered eraser according to claim19, wherein: said layered eraser has an object embedded within saidlayered eraser.
 28. A layered eraser, comprising: a plurality of eraserlayers, comprising an innermost eraser layer, at least one intermediateeraser layer, and an outermost eraser layer; said outermost eraser layercompletely surrounding said at least one intermediate eraser layer priorto a portion of said outermost layer being worn away and exposing aportion of said at least one intermediate eraser layer; said at leastone intermediate eraser layer completely surrounding said innermosteraser layer prior to a portion of said at least one intermediate eraserlayer being worn away and exposing a portion of said innermost eraserlayer; each eraser layer of said plurality of eraser layers adjacent atleast one other said eraser layer; each said eraser layer having anoutermost surface.